Abdullah Öcalan had described the attacks against North and East Syria as a continuation and repetition of the February 15 International Conspiracy. These attacks also targeted the system of democratic autonomy based on Öcalan’s idea of democratic nation. Shengal Democratic Autonomous Administration Council (MXDŞ) co-chair Cîhan Celo spoke to ANF about genocidal attacks and threats against Şengal.
Stating that the situation in the Middle East has created extraordinary conditions for all peoples of the region, Cîhan Celo said: “This situation is even more pronounced because of components that differ in terms of culture, language, and belief and that remain outside the state system. The radical Islamist policies pursued in Syria are being imposed mostly on the Kurdish, Druze, and Alawite peoples. After the massacre of Druze and Alawites, massacres were also carried out against Kurds in Rojava.”
“The attacks are directed against Öcalan’s idea of the democratic nation”
Stating that the Interim Damascus Government is being run by the states that brought it to power, Cîhan Celo said the following regarding the attacks on North and East Syria: “The massacres carried out against the Kurdish people aim to continue the conspiracy waged against Leader Apo [Abdullah Öcalan] through betrayals targeting the democratic nation system. With the idea of the democratic nation, Leader Apo wanted to stop wars in the world, not only for one nation but for everyone. However, due to betrayal and conspiracy, Kurdish fighters were forced to withdraw to Kurdish regions. Attacks on the idea of the democratic nation are a continuation of the conspiracy against Leader Apo. They imprisoned Leader Apo and wanted to destroy his system based on coexistence. But betrayal does not mean that the democratic nation system has been eliminated. Once again, the peoples of the region united around YPJ and YPG fighters and sent the message that they will not abandon their lands.”
“They will try to take revenge for ISIS’s defeat in Shengal”
Cîhan Celo pointed out that although clashes have stopped because of negotiations, threats are still ongoing, saying: “ISIS gangs are still maintaining their presence in the region, and there are attempts to reorganize them. This threat continues not only for Rojava and Syria, but also for Iraq and Şengal. Just as they wanted to take revenge for 2014 in Kobanê, they will also try to take revenge for ISIS’s defeat in Shengal, because Şengal was one of the first places where ISIS was defeated.”
Addressing the dangers facing Shengal, Cîhan Celo made the following call to the Yazidi community: “What is important is that our people should not think that any foreign power will protect them. What happened in 2014 must not be repeated, and the Yazidi community must gather around its own defense forces and remain prepared. The children of this people can protect the lands of Shengal, not some foreign power.”
“Shengal is under threat, mobilization is necessary”
Stating that the Iraqi state would not defend Şengal in the event of a possible attack, Cîhan Celo continued: “Iraq is concerned with protecting its policies, not the Yazidi people. The threats against the Yazidi people continue. The Iraqi president still has not been elected, which points to a major conflict. A state of emergency should be declared for Shengal. Only the people can protect these lands. Just as the people in Rojava mobilized, defended their lands, and stood by their fighters, the same kind of mobilization must be declared in Shengal.”